Russians are increasingly familiarizing themselves with neural networks technology
In a significant shift, the job market for young professionals with AI skills in creative and digital roles is experiencing a decline, according to recent trends. Roles such as software engineering, marketing, customer service, and others have seen employment drops of approximately 13-16% since late 2022, coinciding with the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
This decline is primarily due to AI automating routine, codifiable tasks that entry-level workers traditionally perform. AI's effectiveness in learning patterns in data-rich professions like software development and customer support is a major factor. However, older and more experienced workers in the same fields often maintain stable or growing employment, thanks to their tacit knowledge that AI struggles to replicate and greater organizational power.
Despite the challenges for new entrants, the AI revolution is not all doom and gloom. Some experts argue that AI is redefining expertise and job nature, potentially creating new avenues for skill development and upward mobility in the long term. AI complements human workers rather than fully replacing them in many cases.
The impact of AI adoption on productivity and work experience is mixed. In creative and technical jobs, AI tools have not universally improved productivity and can sometimes increase worker stress, particularly when AI adoption is forced or perceived as performative.
This trend reflects an early-stage AI labor market transformation concentrated in digitally intensive and creative jobs where AI can handle structured and repetitive work. As a result, experience and hard-to-codify skills are becoming increasingly valuable.
Interestingly, SMM specialists in the same age group are more likely to mention AI experience compared to other professions. The increase in job applications mentioning AI skills is most prominent among young professionals, particularly in the creative and digital fields. This trend is also observed among specialists aged 35 to 44, with SMM specialists and designers in this age group seeing the highest gains.
The average project cost for SMM specialists and designers who mention AI experience is around 35,000 and 50,000 rubles, respectively. Young professionals, particularly in creative and digital fields, are most likely to report experience with AI. The largest increase was observed among job seekers aged 18 to 24, with a growth of almost 2.5 times (+146%).
Overall, while the AI revolution presents challenges for new entrants into the workforce, it also offers opportunities for skill development and upward mobility. The key lies in complementing AI with human expertise and fostering a work environment that leverages both effectively.
Sources: [1] BBC News [2] The Guardian [3] Forbes [4] Harvard Business Review [5] McKinsey & Company
